WASHINGTON - U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the federal government will recognize same-sex marriages recently performed in Utah.

Holder's decision will allow more than 1,000 same-sex couples who were married in Utah between Dec. 20 and Jan. 6 to receive federal benefits.

"I am confirming today that, for purposes of federal law, these marriages will be recognized as lawful and considered eligible for all relevant federal benefits on the same terms as other same-sex marriages," said Holder. "These families should not be asked to endure uncertainty regarding their status as the litigation unfolds."